SNP most trusted on the NHS according to poll

RACHEL SMALL

The SNP is the party most trusted on the NHS in Scotland, according to a new poll.

Almost a third of respondents trust the SNP most on the NHS, compared to 22 per cent for Labour, the Dods Research poll of 2,000 health workers UK-wide found.

It follows similar findings from a poll conducted by Survation in January.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “These are very welcome figures which show the high level of trust our hard-working NHS staff have in the SNP’s stewardship of our health service.

“With NHS staff numbers and the NHS budget in Scotland both standing at record highs, the SNP has a strong track record of delivery – but we are clear that there are still challenges facing our health service.

“That’s why we will do everything we can to give both patients and staff the support they need to ensure that our NHS continues to provide a first-class service to people in Scotland.”

The SNP have pledged to vote to increase NHS funding across the UK by £24bn by 2020/21 – delivering a total of £2bn extra funding for Scotland’s health service.

Ms Robison added: “We now have 48 hours to end austerity and ensure public services like the NHS have the investment they need. This is a fantastic opportunity which is well within Scotland’s grasp – and we should grab it with both hands.”